Elphaba Alternates?

[EspinosaRoscioliBlock]

Posted: 10/26/19 at 6:24am

Ive never understood why Wicked has never had an Elphaba Alternate. Singing and acting that role you have to be a beast. I feel like Wicked should go the Phantom route and have the lead Elphaba do 6 shows a week and an alternate two. Especially on The National Tour..Any thoughts?

Updated On: 10/26/19 at 06:24 AM

[LRey95]

Posted: 10/26/19 at 7:40am

Tbh I have not yet seen the entirety of Wicked yet, but it seems like one of those roles that usually has an alternate, ie. vocally and emotionally demanding roles where that character almost never leaves the stage (Evita, Kim in Miss Saigon, Evan Hansen, Alexander Hamilton, I’ve even read of UK Legally Blonde productions having an Elle alternate). They always have an Elphaba (and Glinda) standby - might as well be an alternate? 

My view could be totally off of course, since again I haven’t had witness to just how demanding the role is.

Updated On: 10/26/19 at 07:40 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/26/19 at 8:38am

In the states there is no alternate. Understudies and standbys, sure. But no regularly schedule alternate.

Why? Nobody fought it at the beginning? No one with enough "stature" had major health issues? I think it has more to do with the time it ipened, it was was seldom done...and no one wants to be a whiner. "Pay me my full salary, but dont make me do all the work."

I have no opinion on whether it should or shouldnt have one. I do think composers need to be more cognizant of actors health and limits.

[VotePeron]

Posted: 10/26/19 at 11:01am

For what it’s worth, the standbys at Wicked are essentially alternates. Not sure of Hannah Corneau’s track record, but it’s super rare for Elphies to do 8 shows a week. They usually miss one of the 4 weekend shows.

(Also Wicked stans dont attack me, I know this is a touchy subject - I’m not judging any of the actresses, it’s just reality)

[Plannietink08]

Posted: 10/26/19 at 12:02pm

LRey95 said: “I’ve even read of UK Legally Blonde productions having an Elle alternate”

There’s never been an alternate in a professional production of Legally Blonde in the UK.

I agree that the Elphaba standbys are basically alternates. Felicity Ricci says in her book that she went on at least once a week when she was the standby. 

[steven22]

Posted: 10/26/19 at 5:04pm

I used to follow the understudy and stand by history on the Innuendo forums but it appears to be down the past month.

[Bell0708]

Posted: 10/26/19 at 9:28pm

steven22 said: "I used to follow the understudy and stand by history on the Innuendo forums but it appears to be down the past month."

I know right?  I hope it's not gone forever, I liked that forum. 

[alex814]

Posted: 10/26/19 at 9:52pm

Chiming in to say that for the most part, it’s pretty common for the Elphaba standby to go on at least once a week. I’m pro-alternate. The role has definitely taken a toll on even some of the strongest singers. Plus, Wicked’s more dedicated fanbase is pretty enthusiastic about understudies so it would be a treat for them to have a “guaranteed” date to see a certain standby or understudy.

Does anyone know if the Innuendo Outuendo board is coming back? I miss those updates.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 10/26/19 at 10:26pm

Does anyone know if the Innuendo Outuendo board is coming back? I miss those updates.

They’re aiming for an early 2023 re-launch.  

[QueenTwinnied]

Posted: 10/26/19 at 11:21pm

I'd like to know what happened also. I liked the forum for its casting info